Design Student Megan Ivey Inspires Youth through Upward Bound Program

This summer, Megan Ivey, a senior Industrial Design major at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, spent her time making a significant impact on the lives of local high school students through the Upward Bound Summer Residential Program. Hailing from Abbeville, Louisiana, Megan worked as a teacher, sharing her passion for design and robotics with students from the surrounding area.

Teaching both Robotics and Design classes, Megan helped students develop hands-on skills in fields that combine creativity and technology. Her goal was to expose students to the possibilities that exist in these industries, whether it’s designing innovative products or building the robots of tomorrow. Megan says the most rewarding part of her experience was "inspiring students on what design is and seeing their faces light up, along with showing them the different opportunities in this world."

The Upward Bound program, aimed at helping high school students from disadvantaged backgrounds prepare for higher education, provided an excellent platform for Megan to share her knowledge. Through engaging lessons and projects, she not only taught technical skills but also sparked excitement and curiosity in her students. Megan’s role extended beyond the classroom, as she served as a mentor, showing students the vast possibilities that lie ahead in their academic and professional journeys.

As an Industrial Design major, Megan’s own academic path is grounded in creativity and problem-solving. Her involvement in the Upward Bound program highlights the importance of giving back and empowering the next generation to explore their interests and potential.

Megan Ivey's dedication and enthusiasm have left a lasting impression on the students she worked with this summer, inspiring them to dream big and consider careers they may never have imagined before.